Our Pastor—Rev. Gloria Smith: Rev. Gloria began serving the Encanto Community as our Interim Pastor in 2011 and became our Settled Pastor in January 2012. Rev. Gloria earned a B.A. Degree in Religion/Philosophy from the University of Indianapolis and a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary. Gloria’s journey has allowed her many different work experiences that includes serving churches, entrepreneurism, and university professor. In addition to her ministry degrees, she holds an M.B.A. from the University of Indianapolis and recently earned her Ph.D. in Business Organization and Management from Capella Uniity.
Gloria and her partner Debbye moved to Arizona from Indianapolis, Indiana in 2003 with their Arabian horses and family cats.
Our Staff:
Kathy Van Etten & Steve Holloway, Youth Leaders:
Our Youth Group leaders and Sunday School teachers are Kathy Van Etten and Steve Holloway, both natives of the Phoenix area. Kathy is a local family law attorney who was “born and raised” in Encanto Community Church many years ago, and Steve is a neuro-scientist who teaches at ASU and GCC, and who has been a “friend” of Encanto for the past three decades.
Stacie Nasser, Adult Bible Study Leader:
Stacie Nasser came to Encanto Community Church through her participation in Bible Study and a few months later, she and her husband Tom and their two boys, Jacob and Mitchell joined the church. Stacie works as a mail carrier for the US Post Office. She is currently the facilitator for the church’s Adult Bible Study group which meets on Tuesday nights at 7 o’clock.
Jill Mahoney, Choir Director:
Jill began her musical education when she was 10 and began learning to play the accordion. She quickly knew that she wanted to make music her career. In high school, she took up playing horn. Jill received her B.A. from Arizona State University and taught band, jazz band, and orchestra in the Peoria Unified School District until retiring in 2013.
Jill began serving as the Choir Director at Encanto Community Church in 2006. She lives with Cindy, her long-time partner, and their dog, Chico.
Garett Benham, Organist:
